I discovered something quite interesting while researching who the richest player in the world is. Most people bet on Cristiano Ronaldo or Messi, but the top of the list is quite different from what we imagine.

Faiq Bolkiah, a player from Brunei, has an estimated fortune of US$ 20 billion. But here’s the detail: his wealth doesn’t come from football, it comes from the royal family. He is the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei, so he inherited a huge estate with global investments, luxury properties, and more. He went through youth categories in Europe, but his sports career was never the focus.

Now, if we talk about players who really became rich through football, then it’s a different story. Cristiano Ronaldo ranks second among those still playing, with around US$ 500 million accumulated. He earned this through millionaire salaries, global advertising contracts, and side businesses like hotels and gyms. Messi is right behind with US$ 400 million, but with a more discreet profile.

There’s an interesting case I found: Mathieu Flamini, former Arsenal and Milan player, became a billionaire after retiring. He founded a company of sustainable bioproducts, and the business grew so much that it’s now worth more than any player’s salary. It shows that to really get rich in football, you often need to be an entrepreneur.

In 2025, annual salaries remained impressive even with reduced investments. Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr earned US$ 220 million a year just on the field, plus US$ 65 million in sponsorships. Neymar at Al-Hilal received US$ 80 million in salary and US$ 30 million off the field.

The ranking of the richest football player in the world also includes names like David Beckham with US$ 400 million and Zlatan Ibrahimović with US$ 190 million. Most of them built their fortune after retiring, investing in real estate, personal brands, and company stakes.

The most interesting thing is that the richest clubs in the world move even more money. Real Madrid is worth about US$ 6.6 billion, Manchester United US$ 6.5 billion, Barcelona US$ 5.6 billion. Behind these clubs are billionaires and investment funds that control everything.

It’s clear that the richest player in the world isn’t necessarily the best on the field. It’s more about inheritance, side businesses, and financial decisions made throughout their careers. Modern football has become a billion-dollar industry where image and marketing are worth as much as talent.